Yak Channel Podcast Network

Award-winning chef Trevor Teich is opening a new, permanent location for his celebrated restaurant, Claudia, in Bucktown this summer. He joins me tonight to talk about Claudia’s path from its pop-up beginnings through the present. Be prepared to drool as he talks about his culinary creations.

Meet the living, breathing version of the “heart eyes” emoji. The pure pop sounds of Fairview are bolstered by the real-life romantic relationship between Matt Richardson and Lizzy Zyburt. Fairview’s definitely a band to watch: They just released a new video for ”Loving You Hurts,” they have pop smarts for days, and they have the mentorship and support of Tom Higgenson of Plain White Ts. The adorable Matt and Lizzy are on Car Con Carne tonight.

“This hostage was not born. It was not sent. It was the dream of the kids that never felt sorry for themselves.” “The Hostage” is a new graphic novel from independent comic artist Sal Abbinanti that tells the story of poverty-stricken children in Rio de Janeiro who summon a spirit to protect… and avenge them. Sal’s Kickstartering the graphic novel right now, and he joins me tonight on Car Con Carne.

One of the modern era’s great guitarists is Tomahawk’s Duane Denison. His scorched-earth work with the Jesus Lizard in the 90s was some of the most vital and dangerous-sounding music of that period. Balance that with his contributions to Hank Williams III and the Legendary Shack Shakers, to say nothing of all the other projects he’s been involved with (Firewater, USSA, Revolting Cocks, Pigface), and you have a body of work that is diverse, influential and important. Tomahawk returns with “Tonic Immobility,” the band’s first album in 8 years, on March 26. The first single, “Business Casual,” finds the band right where they left us with “Oddfellows.” Duane’s here to talk Tomahawk and other aspects of his stunning career.

This episode is another collaboration with the Brent Sopel Foundation series, "You Are Not Alone." To see the full interview, please visit the Brent Sopel Foundation website or Facebook page. Our guest this week is, quite simply, the best diver in the history of the sport; he’s won four gold medals and one silver medal in the Olympic games... and he has plenty of medals and honors beyond that. In his personal life, he came out as HIV positive in the late 80s and has done lots of substantive work as a gay rights and HIV awareness advocate. He’s written books. He’s been the subject of his own 30 for 30 short on ESPN, “Thicker Than Water.”  He’s appeared in TV shows like Portlandia and Entourage. He’s a legend, icon and inspiration. Our guest this week: Greg Louganis.

He is truly a “man of the people.” Comedian, sportscaster, and larger-than-life Chicago media personality Pat Tomasulo is part of Zanies’ virtual “Laugh More Live (Cupid Edition)” on Sunday. He joins me live right now on Car Con Carne! Also appearing in Sunday’s event: Joe Kilgallon, T. Murph, Carly Kane and host Calvin Evans. Tickets are a mere ten bucks (25 for VIP). Showtime’s at 8pm.

Valentine’s Day is coming, and Zanies has planned an evening of live comedy to cozy up to. T. Murph (“Woke” on Hulu) is set to appear in the Zanies virtual show “Laugh More Live (Cupid Edition),” along with Joe Kilgallon, Pat Tomasulo, Carly Kane and host Calvin Evans. Tickets are a mere 10 bucks! T. Murph’s with us tonight on Car Con Carne!

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend! Frank shares the top pickup lines and even shares one he used on his wife. Plus he recaps the Super Bowl, talks about going to see a movie, rushing to get Valentine’s Day cards, and more!

The JBTV Revolution Television Virtual Festival is happening this weekend! More than 25 bands are participating in Chicago’s first virtual music festival of the year. Joining me to talk about the event, as well as the current situation with Chicago’s live music venues, are Joe Shanahan (Metro, Smart Bar, Gingerman), Scott Lucas (Local H) and Jerry Bryant (JBTV).

What is ‘Sicilian street food?’ The answer’s being cranked out nightly by Sfera, operating out of a ghost kitchen on the northwest side. Steven and Daniela of Sfera Sicilian Street Food join me tonight to talk about bringing those flavors to Chicago and launching during the most challenging time for restaurants in modern history!